Statement from Beech Grove Mayor Dennis Buckley regarding the release of opioid funds from the State of Indiana
The City of Beech Grove announced today it received funds today from the State of Indiana, which is part of the city’s portion of its settlement from lawsuits against drug companies for their roles in the opioid crisis.
Beech Grove joined other municipalities in taking action against these drug companies due to the opioid epidemic’s impact on the community. Although the funds were released today, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office received the funds in February 2022.
“Indiana has one of the highest rates of drug overdoses in the country,” said Mayor Dennis Buckley, “which is one of the many reasons why I’m so disappointed it took the Attorney General’s Office nine months to release the funds so cities like ours could put the money to work. Politics has no place in the fight against the scourge of drug abuse and the trauma that follows for friends, loved ones and an entire community. I am grateful to Sen. Aaron Freeman for his assistance in helping us get answers as we worked through this process.”
Beech Grove received $25,444.45 for 2022 only, and will receive payments in decreasing amounts over the next 18 years. The funds will be directed to the Beech Grove City Schools to educate Early Childhood Development Center students on the danger of drugs. Fund also will provide support to the Beech Grove Comprehensive Drug Free Coalition to support addiction programs, medicine disposal programs, syringe disposal programs and to provide life saving naloxone treatment packets. The Mayor's Faith Based Roundtable also will use funds to support residents who are seeking treatment for addiction.
To learn more about the City of Beech Grove, visit www.beechgrove.com
Original source can be found here.
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